‘Steak Knife Bandit’ Tries to Sexually Assault Clerk

A man dubbed by police the “steak knife bandit” robbed a Huntington Beach store clerk at knifepoint Friday and tried to sexually assault her before she pushed the knife away, Huntington Beach police said.

The assailant, described as a white man in his early 20s, robbed the Lingerie or Less store in the 18500 block of Beach Boulevard about 10 a.m., said Lt. Bill Mamelli.

Police believe the same bandit may be responsible for a series of eight other robberies that began April 3 and involved small stores that cater to women.

Female clerks have been sexually assaulted during other robberies, although none have been raped, police said.

In Friday’s robbery, the man asked an unidentified 26-year-old salesclerk for help, then held a steak knife to the victim’s side, Mamelli said.

He ordered her to open the cash register, took $65, and then put his arm around her neck and began forcing her toward a back room, Mamelli said.

The clerk fought back and cut herself when she grabbed the knife and forced it away from her, Mamelli said. The robber released her and ran away, Mamelli said.

The clerk was treated at a hospital and released.

The robber was described as about 180 pounds, 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2. He has long, “scraggly” reddish-blond hair and wore jeans and a white tank top.